The primary purpose of this research is to examine the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance of Alloy 800NG in pressurized water reactor (PWR) primary water and pressurized heavy water reactor (PHWR) primary water. Rates of SCC growth of 20% cold-worked (CW) Alloy 800NG measured over the temperature range between 270°C and 360°C were compared with previously reported results for 20% CW Alloy TT690 and 20% CW Alloy 600 in order to consider which material is the most SCC resistant among materials presently being used for steam generator (SG) tubing worldwide. The secondary purpose is to examine the effect of chromium addition on SCC growth in PWR primary water of a series of alloys based on the Alloy 800 composition. SCC growth measurements were performed in PWR primary water over the chromium concentration range from 16% to 27% to obtain fundamental knowledge useful for considering a future alternative SCC-resistant material for SG tubing in extended life PWRs and PHWRs. The third objective is to examine the rate of cavity formation of 20% CW Alloy 800NG to obtain basic knowledge of one possible mechanism for SCC initiation after long-term operation. Measured rates of cavity formation in 20% CW Alloy 800NG were compared with previously reported results of 20% CW Alloy TT690 to compare the rate of SCC initiation caused by cavity formation. Four important patterns were observed. First, excellent SCC growth resistance was observed for 20% CW Alloy 800NG compared to 20% CW Alloy TT690 at 320°C, 340°C, and 360°C. Second, an inverse temperature dependence on SCC growth was observed in Alloy 800NG. The rate of SCC growth increased with decreasing temperature which was completely different from the trend for Alloy 600. Third, a significant beneficial effect by chromium addition in 800 series alloys on SCC growth resistance was observed in PWR primary water in the operating temperature range of PWRs and PHWRs. The rate of SCC growth decreased with increasing chromium concentration in the chromium concentration range between 16% and 27% chromium at 270°C, 290°C, and 320°C. However, no beneficial effect of chromium addition in these alloys was observed at 340°C and 360°C. Finally, a more than 10 times slower rate of cavity formation was observed in 20% CW Alloy 800NG than for 20% CW Alloy TT690. Results suggested that because of cavity formation, a more than 10-fold faster crack initiation occurred in Alloy TT690 than in Alloy 800NG. Further, carbide coverage and grain size significantly affected the rate of cavity formation. Detailed and comprehensive studies of long-term SCC initiation are necessary to ensure the future reliability of life-extended PWRs and PHWRs.
Effects of temperature and pH on the electrochemical behaviour of alloy 600 in simulated pressurized water reactor primary water
